While the eighth-gen Golf GTI is a competent hot hatch on its own, its 242 HP output means it is outclassed by rivals such as the Honda Civic Type R and Renault Megane R.S.

As a result, there are already quite a few aftermarket upgrades, including this one from RaceChip, who offers three different states of tune.

All of them are simple software updates, with the lesser offering improving the turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine’s output and torque by 36 PS (35 HP / 26 kW) and 33 Nm (24 lb-ft). It costs €199 ($243) in Germany and promises up to 10 percent less fuel consumption compared to the stock car.

Read Also: 2021 VW Golf R Could Get A Hotter 328 HP Version, Owner’s Manual Reveals

The mid-range offering is priced at €329 ($401) and brings an extra 45 PS (44 HP / 33 kW) and 42 Nm (31 lb-ft), improving fuel economy by up to 15 percent. For another €50 ($61), customers can get the optional app control, and the tune comes with a one-year engine warranty covering damages of up to €3,000 ($3,658).

RaceChip’s ultimate ECU remap unleashes 55 PS (54 HP / 40 kW) and 50 Nm (37 lb-ft), which means that the Golf GTI now has new GTI Clubsport-rivalling power, with a total of 300 PS (296 HP / 221 kW) and 420 Nm (310 lb-ft), 20 Nm (15 lb-ft) more than the Clubsport.

This tune costs €599 ($ 724) and is accompanied by a two-year engine warranty that covers engine damages of up to €10,000 ($12,193). The company also offers a free one-time re-map in case you sell your car.

The tuner applied the more powerful upgrade to their Golf GTI and strapped it to the dyno, revealing that it makes 312 PS (308 HP / 229 kW). They also demonstrated the new 100-200 km/h (62-124 mph) acceleration time on video, which has dropped from around 16 to a little over 12 seconds.

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